Younger me

I can see you’re struggling,
but you don’t have to hide.
There is one sanctuary still,
I’ve hidden it deep inside.

I know it feels like the world hates you,
but it’s pipe smoke through a screen.
It has nothing to do with you at all,
but who they wish they could be.

Despite the illusions that fuel their hate,
the pain they cause is real.
I promise they cannot break your soul,
one day you’ll learn to heal.

Good job avoiding Medusa’s gaze,
long enough for me to seal.
You finally learned to pass the baton,
now sit back, relax, and feel.